Seamless Success: From Diploma To Degree in Singapore With Kaplan

Published: 27 March 2026

The desire for career advancement often goes hand in hand with higher education, but for many professionals, the path is filled with a variety of challenges. Many professionals who want to pursue further studies have existing work and family commitments and may even possess non-traditional entry qualifications.

So, how can one achieve a prestigious Bachelor's Degree or Diploma without disrupting their career and risking their financial stability? The solution lies in a structured, supported pathway that prioritises flexibility, such as those offered by Kaplan (Singapore). This is what Leow Yee Shiang discovered on his journey.

Leow Yee Shiang's Journey From A-Levels to First Class Honours

Leow Yee Shiang, a 2025 Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (Business Analytics) graduate from University College Dublin (UCD) with First Class Honours, is a prime example of the rewarding outcomes possible with a strategic educational pivot.

After working for several years with academic credentials limited to the A-Level certificate, he recognised the necessity of a Degree for advancement. He discovered the Kaplan Diploma pathway, which allowed him to seamlessly transition from the Kaplan Diploma in Commerce (Human Resource Management)* and ultimately graduate with the highest distinction while managing his professional commitments.

“My journey from a Diploma to a Degree has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and Kaplan played a pivotal role in making this transition smooth and successful. After spending years in the workforce with only an A-Level certificate, I always knew I wanted to pursue a Degree but was unsure how to balance it with my work commitments,” Yee Shiang shares.

In 2020, he then decided to enrol in a Kaplan Diploma programme to lay the foundation for his Degree. Speaking on his experience, he shared that “The well-planned study schedule and strong administrative support made it easier to balance my studies with work. The knowledge and skills I gained through the programme, especially in areas I was unfamiliar with, were also essential in preparing me for the challenges of my Degree. Thanks to the comprehensive support offered at Kaplan, I was able to seamlessly transition from Diploma to Degree, and achieve my goal of graduating with First Class Honours.”

*This programme has been succeeded by the Diploma in Human Resources and Management.

The Case for Higher Education in Singapore

In Singapore, the value of higher education and professional certification is significant. In 2025, 20.4% of Singapore's resident labour force held a Diploma or professional qualification, and 43.7% held a Degree, proving that higher qualifications are common and essential if one wishes to enjoy a fulfilling and successful career.

Recent reports also suggest that Degree holders are more likely to land jobs that require a high level of skill and earn higher pay than those without a Degree. They also enjoy more autonomy at work and more access to high-skill jobs. Some sources suggest that with a Business Diploma, you may earn a median monthly salary of S$2,300. In contrast, with a Business Degree, you could earn up to S$3,723 per month, on average.

Ultimately, Diplomas and Degrees for working adults are more than just a piece of paper; they are strategic investments in future resilience, expertise, and earning potential.
 

Success Through Supported Flexibility

Pursuing a private Degree or private Diploma while maintaining a career requires an educational partner that offers genuine flexibility and unwavering support. This is the precise obstacle that Kaplan helps working adults overcome.

Leow Yee Shiang's success hinged on a study model that respects his full-time commitments. He was able to pursue his academic goals thanks to crucial allowances that Kaplan's programmes make for working professionals.

He shared that “The continued administrative support from Kaplan was invaluable, and I particularly appreciated UCD's focused study schedule, which allowed me to concentrate on intensive, short-term modules while still balancing work and revision time.”

This integration of administrative support with an academically robust yet part-time friendly schedule is what makes the difference between aspiring to obtain a Degree or Diploma and actually achieving it, even when starting with just an A-Level certificate.

Why Choose Kaplan for Your Advancement

Choosing Kaplan for your Diploma to Degree journey in Singapore is a strategic decision built on:

Holistic Quality Education

One essential reason to pursue higher education with Kaplan is the assurance of quality education. We offer a vast range of programmes across numerous disciplines, partnered with globally renowned University partners and professional partners.

Our dedication is supported by over 250 dedicated academic professionals; locally based and fly-in faculty from our esteemed University partners ensure you benefit from a global perspective. These collaborations ensure our part-time Diploma and Degree qualifications are academically rigorous and internationally recognised.

Unwavering Student Support

Another compelling reason is the extensive support we provide for students. Our commitment is to ensure our graduates are future-ready and possess strong employability skills. This is achieved through a deep-seated culture of support that aids students from enrolment through graduation and career placement. We also provide valuable workshops, employability training, industry talks, industry visits, and work experiences relevant to your field of study.

Trusted Excellence and Accolades

Choosing Kaplan is also choosing a trusted name. Kaplan Higher Education Academy is a 4-year EduTrust-certified institution, demonstrating the excellent quality of our programmes and services, as well as robust business operations.

This commitment to quality is recognised externally; the institution has won many accolades over the years, including the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2025 Regional Edition (Corporate Excellence Award), the Dun & Bradstreet Singapore Business Eminence Awards 2025 (Gold Award), and the 2025 Singapore Business Review International Business Awards (Educational Management).

Take the Step to Advance Your Standing

Kaplan enables working adults to pursue their academic ambitions efficiently, earn high-quality qualifications, and advance their standing in competitive fields.

Start your Diploma to Degree journey with Kaplan today. Read more about students' experiences at Kaplan, or download the Kaplan brochure to find out more about our wide range of programmes, University partners, and comprehensive student support services.

You can also contact our programme consultants to discuss your unique educational pathway and career aspirations.